Senator Curren Price Teams with Golden State Water Company and California American Water Team for “Operation Gobble”

California State Senator Curren Price, Golden State Water Company and California American Water distributed more than 200 turkeys to local non-profits at Veteran’s Memorial Park located at 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 on Monday, November 21, as part of the 20th annual “Operation Gobble” program.

Operation Gobble is a joint philanthropic venture between California water companies and local state legislators that is set to deliver an estimated 30,000 turkeys to at-risk families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday.

Since 1990, the program has paired the resources of the private and public sectors to benefit those in need. Participating investor-owned water companies, such as California American Water and Golden State Water Company, provide turkeys and delivery services in partnership with local elected officials who offer expertise in directing the donations to community food banks, churches and other non-profit organizations.

"This program raises awareness of the issue of hunger in California while helping those who need it most," said State Senator Price. "This year more than ever, it is important that we all help to ensure that every Californian can be thankful during this season of Thanksgiving."

According to the latest study of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research on hunger, 2.9 million Californians lack sufficient resources to feed themselves on a regular basis. Many of these residents are low income families that will not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal.

About American Water:

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people. California American Water’s Los Angeles County service district includes approximately 28,000 households and businesses and serves a population of about 100,000 people in the cities of Bradbury, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, Monrovia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino and Temple City, as well as unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County and the Baldwin Hills area.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a year long campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

About American Water States:

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company, American States Utility Services, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, Golden State Water Company, AWR provides water service to approximately 1 out of 36 Californians within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California, (approximately 256,000 customers). The Company also distributes electricity to over 23,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. Through its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the Company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country.

American States Water Company has paid dividends to shareholders every year since 1931, increasing the dividends received by shareholders each calendar year since 1953. More information about Golden State Water Company can be found at www.gswater.com.